London Irish Rugby Club Forges Ahead with 2026 Rebirth Despite Eddie Jordan's Passing

Club's Resurgence Strategy Unchanged Following Key Investor's Death

London Irish Rugby Club's ambitious 2026 comeback plans remain firmly on track despite the passing of key investor Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner who led February's consortium purchase of the club from administration.

The Roadmap to Revival

Target return date: September 2026 under fan ownership model
Key objectives:
- Securing league competition placement
- Establishing west London home ground
- Launching women's team and academy program
- Complete transition to fan ownership

Interim CEO Kyle Jordan confirmed: "Our strategy remains firmly in place. We're committed to delivering competitive rugby by our 2026 deadline despite this profound personal loss."

Eddie Jordan's Lasting Legacy

The motorsport icon, who passed away at 76 from prostate cancer, brought more than financial backing:

Visionary approach: Championed the fan ownership model
Global perspective: Wanted to blend Irish identity with international ambition
Competitive spirit: F1 experience shaped the club's performance philosophy

Administration History and Current Status

London Irish entered administration in June 2023 with £30m debts after failing to:

Pay player salaries
Secure club sale
Meet Premiership Rugby financial requirements

The club has been inactive since, with Wasps and Worcester suffering similar fates that season. Options being explored include:

United Rugby Championship: Potential faster re-entry than English pyramid
2025-26 Championship: Original application still being considered
Alternative competitions: Evaluating all pathways to competitive rugby

Speaking about his father's passing, Kyle Jordan reflected: "He was my mentor who shaped how I view competition and culture. While his physical presence is gone, the foundations we built together will carry this project forward."